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Digital Element Database Descriptions

Digital Element’s comprehensive set of databases, combined with our proprietary methods of gathering, filtering and resolving IP addresses with unparalleled accuracy provides our customers with valuable information beyond IP geolocation. Our data enables IP intelligence that informs impactful business decisions and outcomes.

Below are descriptions for all of the databases we offer as well as a sampling of applicable use cases for each. There are numerous use cases for many of these databases, and while the lists of examples included here are not exhaustive, they do provide food for thought in terms of how the IP intelligence data could be applied to solve your business challenges.

We have a portfolio of databases, with two key data sets. NetAcuity and Nodify. NetAcuity is our core database with various contextual information about an anonymous IP address.

Nodify provides a layer of additional intelligence when an IP address is behind either an anonymizer, VPN, or darknet, or if the IP address is risky or not with various deterministic information about IP address behavior.

If you’re curious about support for specific use case or have questions on any of these Databases, we encourage you to talk to one of our experts.

On this page:

NetAcuity IP Geolocation Database

The NetAcuity database is the powerhouse behind Digital Element’s IP-based location resolution capabilities. Useful for nearly every company with commerce activities on the internet, NetAcuity leverages infrastructure analysis and location insights from billions of real-time data signals to enable IP geolocation down to the post code and zip+4 level.

NetAcuity supports enterprises by enabling them to confidently transact online while protecting their digital properties from malicious intent.

NetAcutiy’s IP Geolocation technology is available in three packages:

NetAcuity Pulse is a mobile-centric IP address to Geolocation database that uses a network of IP location information derived from billions of on-device-location transactions, and internet routing infrastructure. Using the most recent 30-day dataset, NetAcuity organizes IP addresses based on their corresponding geographical locations around the world. This process involves mapping each IP address to multiple fields including country, region, metro, city, postcode, and lat/long.  

NetAcuity Pulse Plus offers one additional field to Pulse for ZIP+4, which includes the additional four digits for more precise location identification within the United States. Pulse and Pulse Plus can identify 4 million geographic locations across the globe.

NetAcuity Pulse Max offers all the same fields as Pulse but uses a longer lookback of data and is based on Digital Element’s knowledge of how geographically stable certain ISPs are. This historical reflection of data allows NetAcuity Pulse Max to identify 4.8 million geographical locations globally.

Thanks to the accuracy and reliability of NetAcuity’s IP geolocation data, businesses across all industries leverage NetAcuity’s IP Geolocation data to inform a wide range of use cases, including

Targeted Marketing and Advertising:

Advertisers can use IP geolocation to target advertisements to specific geographic regions. For instance, they can display ads relevant to the local audience based on their location.

Localized Content Delivery:

Content providers can customize website content based on the visitor’s location, such as displaying content in the visitor’s preferred language or showcasing location-specific promotions.

Digital Rights Management:

Limit access to digital content based on the geographic location of the user, ensuring compliance with licensing terms and copyright laws.

Fraud Prevention and Security:

Businesses can use IP geolocation to detect and prevent fraudulent activities, such as identifying suspicious logins or transactions from unexpected or unusual geographic locations.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements:

Some industries, such as finance or gambling, are subject to strict regional regulations. IP geolocation can help businesses ensure compliance with these regulations by restricting access to users from prohibited locations.

Gaming and Entertainment:

Gaming platforms can use IP geolocation to provide region-specific gaming content, offers, or events to enhance the gaming experience for users in different locations.

E-commerce and Retail:

Online retailers can use IP geolocation to confidently offer location-based pricing, promotions, or discounts to customers in specific regions only. They can also show inventory availability based on the visitor’s location.

Geographically Targeted Customer Support:

Customer support systems can use IP geolocation to direct users to the appropriate support team or provide region-specific contact information for better assistance.

Travel and Hospitality:

Travel agencies, airlines, and hotels can use IP geolocation to customize offers and promotions based on the visitor’s location, providing relevant travel deals and accommodation options.

Real Estate and Property Listings:

Real estate websites can utilize IP geolocation to show properties and listings in the user’s area of interest, making the search process more relevant and efficient.

Academic and Educational Services:

Educational institutions can use IP geolocation to tailor educational content and offerings based on the user’s location, language, or curriculum relevance.

…and these are only a few of the use cases that IP geolocation enables.

In addition to the data available in the NetAcuity DB, Digital Element also offers many other databases that help refine IP geolocation tactics by augmenting the data set and providing additional intelligence to inform business decisions. _

ISP Database

The ISP (Internet Service Provider) database is a tool used in IP geolocation to identify the organization or company that owns and manages a specific IP address or range of IP addresses. This information can be valuable for various purposes related to network management, cybersecurity, compliance, and targeted services. Here’s how the ISP database is used in IP geolocation:

Network Troubleshooting and Management:

Network administrators and IT professionals use ISP data to troubleshoot network issues and manage network performance. Knowing the ISP associated with an IP address helps in diagnosing and addressing network problems more effectively.

Enhancing User Experience:

Online services and websites can use ISP information to optimize the user experience. For example, they can provide content or services tailored to the typical demographics or preferences of users associated with a particular ISP.

Targeted Marketing and Advertising:

Businesses and marketers can use ISP data to customize advertising and marketing strategies. Understanding the ISPs can provide insights into the types of services or products that might be of interest to the users associated with those ISPs.

Network Security and Cybersecurity:

Utilizing ISP data, security professionals can detect and respond to potential security threats more efficiently. It allows them to monitor and analyze traffic from specific ISPs for suspicious activities or signs of cyber threats.

Compliance and Legal Requirements:

ISPs are subject to different regulations and legal requirements based on their geographical location and jurisdiction. Understanding the ISP associated with an IP address is essential for compliance with these regulations.

Service Optimization and Traffic Management:

Service providers can use ISP information to optimize network traffic, allocate bandwidth, and improve service delivery based on the ISP’s characteristics and service offerings.
It’s important to note that while the ISP database provides useful information, its accuracy and completeness can vary. ISPs may change or update their information, and IP assignments can be dynamic, leading to occasional inaccuracies. Additionally, privacy and data protection considerations are crucial when using ISP data to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

If you’re interested in learning more about the dynamic nature of IP address data, check out our White Paper: “ The Definitive Guide to Understanding IP Addresses and VPNs and Implications for Businesses”.

ASN Database

The ASN (Autonomous System Number) database is a crucial tool in IP geolocation, providing information about the organization, network ownership, and routing policies associated with a specific range of IP addresses. This data helps map IP addresses to their respective autonomous systems, enabling a variety of applications and use cases in the realm of geolocation and network management. Here’s how the ASN database is used in IP geolocation:

Network Troubleshooting and Management:

Network administrators and IT professionals use ASN information to troubleshoot network issues, manage routing policies, and optimize network performance. Understanding the autonomous systems involved helps in diagnosing and resolving network problems more efficiently.

Cybersecurity and Threat Detection:

ASN data is vital in cybersecurity for identifying potential threats and malicious activities. Security analysts can monitor and analyze traffic from specific autonomous systems to detect unusual patterns or behaviors that could indicate cyber threats.

Content Delivery and Service Optimization:

Content providers and service operators use ASN data to optimize content delivery and service provision. By understanding the associated autonomous systems, they can optimize the routing of traffic, improve latency, and enhance the overall user experience.

Internet Traffic Analysis:

Researchers and analysts utilize ASN information to study internet traffic patterns, understand internet infrastructure, and analyze global network behavior. ASN data helps in gaining insights into how different networks are interconnected and how traffic flows between them.

Network Planning and Optimization:

ISPs and network planners use ASN data to plan and optimize network configurations and expansions. Knowledge of the autonomous systems involved allows for better resource allocation and traffic management.

Compliance and Legal Compliance:

Compliance with regulations often requires understanding the entities and organizations associated with IP addresses. ASN data aids in compliance by identifying the autonomous systems and their respective organizations.

Peering and Interconnection Strategies:

ISPs and network operators use ASN information to strategize peering and interconnection arrangements. Knowledge of the autonomous systems involved helps in negotiating peering agreements and optimizing network interconnections.

In summary, the ASN database plays a crucial role in understanding the organizational and network context associated with IP addresses, enabling a wide range of applications in network management, cybersecurity, compliance, and service optimization.

Mobile Carrier Database

The mobile carrier database in IP geolocation provides information about the mobile carrier associated with a specific IP address. This data is valuable for a variety of purposes, particularly in the context of mobile devices and users. Here’s how the mobile carrier database is used in IP geolocation:

Targeted Services and Content:

Service providers can use mobile carrier information to tailor their services and content to specific mobile carriers or user demographics. For example, they can optimize their offerings based on the typical preferences of users associated with certain carriers.

Enhanced User Experience:

Websites and apps can customize the user experience based on the mobile carrier. This can include optimizing content, layout, or promotions based on carrier-specific considerations.

Fraud Prevention and Security:

Mobile carrier data can be used to identify potentially fraudulent activities. It enables businesses and security systems to detect unusual patterns of behavior associated with specific accounts, aiding in fraud prevention.

Compliance and Legal Purposes:

Compliance with regulatory requirements often necessitates understanding the carriers associated with IP addresses, especially in cases involving telecommunications or mobile-related regulations.

Location-Based Services:

Mobile carrier information is critical for location-based services, helping businesses customize offerings based on the user’s mobile carrier and location. This can include promotions, advertisements, or specific service offerings.

Marketing and Advertising Strategies:

Advertisers can use mobile carrier information to tailor their advertising strategies to specific carriers. Different carriers may have different user bases with distinct preferences, and targeted advertising can be more effective with this information.

VPN Proxy Database

A proxy database provides information about whether an IP address is associated with a proxy. This data is valuable for a variety of purposes related to network security, content delivery, targeted marketing, and fraud prevention. This database does not include residential proxies so that companies who have not built rules around residential proxies can continue to operate without the disruption caused by residential proxy IP addresses. Here’s how a proxy database is used in IP geolocation:

Identifying Proxies:

A proxy database helps identify IP addresses that are likely associated with proxy. Proxies act as intermediaries between clients and servers, and detecting their presence is essential for various applications.

Enhanced Security:

Security professionals use proxy information to enhance network security. They can identify and monitor traffic coming from proxy servers to prevent potential threats, such as malicious activities or unauthorized access.

Content Delivery Optimization:

Content providers use proxy data to optimize content delivery. By identifying proxy servers, they can tailor content based on whether it’s being accessed directly or through a proxy, ensuring a better user experience.

Preventing Fraud and Abuse:

Detecting proxy usage helps prevent fraudulent activities, spam, account abuse, or other malicious behaviors. It allows businesses to block or monitor traffic from proxy servers, reducing the risk of abuse.

Tailored Marketing and Advertising:

Advertisers can utilize proxy information to tailor their marketing strategies. Differentiate advertising based on whether the user is accessing content through a proxy, leading to more targeted and effective ad campaigns.

Geolocation Accuracy Improvement:

Geolocation services use proxy information to indicate that the geographic location cannot be conclusively identified. Proxies distort the true geographical location of an IP address, and accounting for this helps inform that there is no precise location data for that IP address.

Network Access Control:

Organizations can utilize proxy data to control access to their networks. They can enforce policies regarding the use of proxy servers to maintain security and compliance.

Fraud Detection and Prevention:

Financial institutions and online platforms use proxy information to detect potential fraud, such as fraudulent transactions or account misuse. Identifying proxy usage helps in flagging suspicious activities.

Enhancing Digital Right Management License Verification:

DRM systems often rely on licensing mechanisms. Proxy detection can augment license verification processes by flagging or denying access to content when a proxy is detected, ensuring that only authorized users with valid licenses can access the content.

Educating Users and Promoting Compliance Policies:

When proxy usage is detected, automated notifications can inform users about improper use and educate them about compliance policies. This educational approach may discourage future attempts to use proxies to obfuscate their location. 

It’s important to note that while a proxy database provides useful information about proxies, it’s not always 100% accurate, and there may be instances where the categorization is incorrect or ambiguous. Additionally, privacy considerations are important when utilizing such databases to ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.

Domain Database

The domain database provides information about the domain associated with an IP address. This data can be valuable for various purposes, including identifying the organization or entity that owns the domain and understanding the type of website or service associated with the IP. Here’s how the domain database is used:

Identifying the Domain Owner:

The domain database helps in determining the organization, company, or individual that owns the domain associated with an IP address. This information can be useful for business intelligence, compliance, and legal purposes.

Understanding Website or Service Type:

Analyzing the domain associated with an IP address can provide insights into the type of website or service hosted on that IP. This information is valuable for tailoring content, advertisements, or services accordingly.

Security and Risk Assessment:

The domain database helps clients in assessing security risks associated with an IP address. For instance, known malicious or suspicious domains can be flagged, aiding in cybersecurity efforts and risk mitigation.

Network Management and Troubleshooting:

Network administrators and IT professionals can use domain information to troubleshoot network issues and manage network performance. Understanding the domains associated with specific IPs helps in network analysis.

Compliance and Legal Purposes:

The domain database can be utilized for compliance with legal requirements, regulatory standards, or contractual agreements. It assists in ensuring that IP addresses are associated with compliant and authorized domains.

Ad Targeting and Marketing Strategies:

Advertisers can leverage domain data to optimize their advertising strategies. Understanding the type of website or service associated with an IP allows for targeted and relevant advertising campaigns.

Content Customization:

Websites and online platforms can use domain information to customize content and services based on the associated domain. This ensures a more personalized and relevant user experience.

Brand Protection:

Organizations can use domain information to monitor and protect their brand. Detecting domains associated with unauthorized or infringing activities helps in taking appropriate legal actions to protect intellectual property.

The domain database enriches IP intelligence data by providing additional context about the IP addresses, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the online landscape and facilitating informed decision-making in various domains.

Company Name Database

The company name database provides information about the organization, company, or entity associated with a specific IP address. This data can be utilized in several ways to enhance the understanding of the IP’s origin, the nature of the organization, and its potential relevance in various applications. Here’s how the company name database is used:

Identifying the Organization or Company:

The company name database helps in identifying the organization, company, or entity that owns or is associated with a particular IP address. This information is valuable for various purposes, including business intelligence and compliance.

Customizing User Experience:

Websites and online platforms can use company name information to customize the user experience based on the associated organization. This customization can include tailoring content, recommendations, or services for a specific company or industry.

Business Intelligence and Research:

Researchers and analysts can use company name data for business intelligence, market research, and competitor analysis. Understanding the presence and activities of different organizations in specific regions aids in making informed business decisions.

Targeted Marketing and Sales Efforts:

Sales and marketing teams can use company name information to target specific organizations for marketing campaigns or sales efforts. Understanding the nature of the organization helps in tailoring pitches and strategies accordingly.

Web Traffic De-Anonymization

Gain insights into website traffic by leveraging IP address data to unmask the entities or organizations on a website. By correlating IP addresses with known company names, it becomes possible to reveal the companies accessing a website or online service. This process is instrumental in various domains such as cybersecurity, marketing analysis, and regulatory compliance.

The company name database enriches IP intelligence data by providing context about the organizational ownership of IP addresses, enabling a deeper understanding of the entities behind the IPs and facilitating targeted actions in various domains such as marketing, compliance, research, and security.

Organization Name Database

Similar to the Company Name database, the Organization Name Database associates IP addresses with different organization types. In the case that a Company Name DB query does not provide a result, the organization name may provide additional context or information surrounding an IP address. As such, applicable use cases include:

Business Intelligence and Research:

Researchers and analysts can use company name data for business intelligence, market research, and competitor analysis. Understanding the presence and activities of different organizations in specific regions aids in making informed business decisions.

Fraud Detection and Prevention:

Detecting the company associated with an IP can assist clients in identifying potential fraud or malicious activities. Unusual or suspicious company names may trigger further investigation to prevent fraudulent behavior.

Targeted Marketing and Sales Efforts:

Sales and marketing teams can use company name information to target specific organizations for marketing campaigns or sales efforts. Understanding the nature of the organization helps in tailoring pitches and strategies accordingly.

Web Traffic De-Anonymization

Gain insights into website traffic by leveraging IP address data to unmask the entities or organizations on a website. By correlating IP addresses with known company names, it becomes possible to reveal the companies accessing a website or online service anonymously. This process is instrumental in various domains such as cybersecurity, marketing analysis, and regulatory compliance.

The organization name database enriches IP intelligence data by providing context about the organizational ownership of IP addresses, enabling a deeper understanding of the entities behind the IPs and facilitating targeted actions in various domains such as marketing, compliance, research, and security.

NAICS Codes Database

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code database is a standard system for classifying businesses and industries. Integrating NAICS codes can provide valuable insights into the types of industries or businesses associated with specific IP addresses. Here’s how the NAICS code database can be used:

Industry Identification:

By associating NAICS codes with IP addresses, it’s possible to identify the industry or sector to which an organization belongs. This information can be valuable for market research, targeted advertising, and business intelligence.

Targeted Advertising and Marketing:

Understanding the industry of organizations associated with IP addresses allows for targeted advertising and marketing efforts. Advertisers can tailor their campaigns based on the industry, promoting products or services relevant to that sector.

Business Intelligence and Analysis:

Analysts can use NAICS codes to categorize IP addresses into specific industries, enabling deeper insights into internet usage patterns within various sectors. This can aid in understanding market trends, consumer behavior, and industry-specific preferences.

Geographical Industry Analysis:

By cross-referencing NAICS codes with geolocation data, it’s possible to analyze industry distribution across different geographic regions. This can inform business decisions related to market expansion, resource allocation, and regional strategies.

Policy and Regulatory Compliance:

NAICS codes can assist in ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations and policies. Businesses can verify that their interactions are in line with regulations applicable to their industry.

In summary, integrating NAICS codes with IP geolocation data enhances the understanding of the industry context associated with IP addresses. This additional layer of information can be utilized for targeted advertising, market analysis, business intelligence, and compliance, providing valuable insights into the online landscape in relation to specific industries.

Home / Business Database

The Home or Business database is often used to provide information about whether an IP address corresponds to a residential or commercial location.

The Home or Business database is a specialized dataset that categorizes IP addresses based on whether they are associated with residential users or business entities. This distinction can be valuable for various purposes, including targeted advertising, content customization, network security, and compliance with regulations.

Here’s how the Home or Business database is utilized in IP geolocation:

Targeted Advertising:

Advertisers can use information from the HoB database to tailor advertisements based on whether the user is likely accessing the internet from a home or business location. Residential users may have different interests and needs compared to business users, and targeted advertising helps optimize marketing strategies.

Content Customization:

Websites and online platforms can use Home or Business database data to customize content based on the user’s likely context. For instance, they can show different types of content or promotions to residential users compared to business users.

Network Security:

Understanding whether an IP address corresponds to a residential or business location can aid in network security efforts. Security measures can be adjusted based on the type of location to enhance protection against potential threats.

Compliance and Legal Purposes:

Home or Business database information can be used for compliance with regulations that distinguish between regulations applicable to residential users versus business users. This can include adherence to legal requirements related to data usage, privacy, or service offerings.

Network Optimization:

Service providers can optimize their network based on the type of location. For example, they can allocate bandwidth or optimize network performance differently for residential and business users.

Core Based Statistical Area (CBSA) Database

The Core Based Statistical Area (CBSA) database is a geographical and statistical framework used by the United States Census Bureau to define urban and metropolitan areas. It includes metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas. Combining the CBSA database with IP geolocation can provide insights into the demographic and economic characteristics of different regions based on internet usage. Here’s how they can be used in conjunction:

Demographic Analysis

Combine this information with the CBSA database to analyze the demographic characteristics (e.g., population density, age distribution, income levels) of the regions from which the IP addresses originate. This can be useful for targeted marketing, product development, and resource allocation.

Market Research and Targeted Advertising

Matching the geolocated IPs with the CBSA database to obtain insights into the market potential and consumer behavior in specific CBSA-defined regions. This information can be used to tailor advertising and marketing campaigns to specific demographics and regions.

Localized Content and Services

Leverage IP geolocation to offer localized content, services, or promotions based on the user’s geographical location, allowing for a more accurate and targeted approach to providing relevant content and services to users.

Business Expansion and Planning:

CBSA data on economic activities and trends can be combined with IP geolocation data  to assist businesses in making informed decisions about market expansion, investment, and resource allocation.

By integrating IP geolocation with the CBSA database, organizations can gain valuable insights into the geographic distribution of internet users and use this information to optimize marketing strategies, enhance user experiences, and make informed business decisions.

Language Database

The Language database can be used to to identify the preferred language associated with the location of a specific IP Address. This database is used for:

Content Localization

Based on the geographic location obtained through IP geolocation, websites and online platforms can serve content in the language most commonly used in that region. Language databases can help identify the predominant language in a particular area, enabling customized content delivery.

Language Preferences

Some IP geolocation databases or services may include language preferences or settings for specific regions. This information can help tailor the user experience by presenting content in the language preferred by users in that geographic area.

In summary, language databases complement IP geolocation data by enabling tailored content delivery based on the identified geographic location and associated language preferences.

Nodify Proxy & VPN Intelligence Database

Digital Element’s threat intelligence solution, Nodify, brings much-needed contextual information to IP intelligence. This powerful addition of surrounding metadata enables security analysts and teams to quickly assess if network traffic is behind a proxy or VPN wall, and therefore determine the relative risk associated with an IP address.

Security and Risk Assessment:

Nodify helps clients assess security risks associated with an IP address. For instance, IP addresses that exhibit anomalous behaviors provide information that helps indicate the potential for an IP address to be associated with nefarious activities. 

Digital Rights Management:

Understand the relative risk associated with an IP address and inform DRM strategies appropriately. 

Fraud Prevention and Security:

Leverage contextual metadata to detect questionable IP address traffic and inform strategies to prevent fraudulent activities.

IP Characteristics (IPC) Database

The IPC database utilizes deterministic IP address metadata to amplify intelligence related to web traffic, and identify IP addresses that have not been associated with a VPN or proxy network, but display anomalous characteristics that provide context to demonstrate their potential to be associated with nefarious activity.

By analyzing contextual data related to IP addresses, IPC bolsters insights to enable a more proactive approach to potential cybersecurity and fraud detection challenges like disguising location and masking identity. With IPC, organizations can utilize historical data that signals the level of risk of an anonymous IP address; information including persistence at a given location, range of locations, and device activity.

Proxy Characteristics Database

The Proxy Characteristics database helps identify IP addresses associated with proxy networks while providing the complimentary context needed to identify the relative risk associated with the proxy type.

Take Apple Private Relay (APR) (a proxy), and Google VPN, for example. These two services are privacy-focused VPN/Proxies and vary drastically in nature when compared to a service like NordVPN, which is heavily used for DRM circumvention. This information can be used by streaming providers to inform the decision to allow access to users with APR and Google VPN, but deny to NordVPN.

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